Salina Post
Salina Adult Education Center (SAEC), USD 305, is part of a national network of literacy organizations offering adult education and family literacy programs to help Americans gain the basic literacy skills they need to be employable in today’s economy.
Formerly "Little House Adult Learning Center," the program is celebrating it’s 45th year in the community as well as year ten of the Partners 4 Success program.
According to the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), 28 million adults in the US lack the basic digital skills needed to use a computer. More than 30 million adults lack a high school diploma.
Kelly Mobray, Director of Adult Education, shares “We know that reading skills, digital literacy and a high school diploma are critical needs, regardless of the profession ones enters.”
September 15 - 19 is "Adult Education and Family Literacy Week," and is an important way for the Salina community to understand the importance of adult education. Beyond basic skills and earning a diploma, SAEC encourages students to continue with post-secondary options. COABE shares that over 4 in 10 GED graduates go on to high education. Nine in ten GED graduates who enter high education finish their degree/credential.
Mobray shares that having the adult ed center on the Salina Area Technical College (SATC) campus is a 'great motivator,' as it allows adult education students the opportunity to feel a part of a college environment, especially if they take advantage of co-enrolled opportunities that SAEC and SATC conduct.
Educating adults helps families break out of intergenerational poverty and creates stronger communities, including productive workplaces.
Low-skilled adults (source: COABE):
· 2x more likely to be unemployed
· 3x more likely to be in poverty
· 4x more likely to be in poor health
· 8x more likely to be incarcerated
“SAEC partners with entities across the community such as Community Corrections, DCF, Heartland Early Education and others to support adults in reaching educational goals and becoming as work ready as they possibly can,” said Mobray. “Our goal is not only to help our students, but to assist employers in our area to be able to hire individuals that are ready and able to navigate today’s employment and life challenges.”
Mobray shares that several Salina area employers are collaborating with SAEC to support adults on their employment journey. Some of those businesses include Salina Regional Health Center, Crestwood and Valmont Coatings.
Support from State legislators
SAEC is 5 years away from reaching its 50 year anniversary in 2030. Mobray hopes to keep receiving support and even more from state legislators.
She described SAEC advocates at a local, state and federal level. She hopes the support from state legislators can help spread awareness on the importance of the services they provide for adult education and most importantly, helping adults ultimately obtain and retain quality employment.
Furthermore, Mobray hopes to increase internships and apprenticeships programs as well. SAEC having partnerships with SATC and KANSASWORKS, helps individuals in adult education get the experience they need before entering into the workforce.
Art exhibit: A Peace of My Mind
To celebrate SAEC’s 45th year, they will host a special art exhibit, at the Salina Art Center featuring several SAEC students, graduates, staff and community partners who participated in an initiative called "A Peace of My Mind" with photographer John Noltner.
This photography exhibit will release on January 7, 2026 - February 8, 2026 at the Salina Art Center (242 S Santa Fe Ave.), along with a reception to celebrate SAEC's 45th anniversary/Partners 4 Success 10th year anniversary.
Afterwards, the exhibit will then disperse out into the Salina community.
The Partners 4 Success graduation will be on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce annex (120 W. Ash). The SAEC graduation will be on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
For more information about Salina Adult Education Center’s services, visit www.305adulteducation.com or call (785) 309-4660.